Me and My Emmy: Hector Ramirez

The celebrated camera operator talks of capturing the magic of David Copperfield, Dancing with the Stars and more.

Emmy Tally: 17 Primetime Emmys and 1 Daytime Emmy.

How He Got the Gold: As a camera operator, most recently for The 25th Anniversary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concert (2010) and for shows such as ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, Fox’s American Idol, 4 David Copperfield specials and tribute specials for Sting, Cher, Paul Simon, Neil Diamond and Frank Sinatra, among others.

Now for the Noms: 71 in primetime over the past 36 years.

Making Magic: “The David Copperfield specials were all single-camera, so capturing the magic or illusions — as David liked to call them — was very challenging for the crew. We learned how to do it better with each show.”

Wall Power: “People can’t fly, but David made the audience think he could. People can’t go through walls, but David made people think he went through the Great Wall of China. Those shows made the audience believe in something that was not there.”

Sky High: “The producers of Dancing with the Stars strive to give the audience a very entertaining show and have raised the bar every season. What is expected of the camera team has risen to the highest level for live television.”

Legendary Lessons: “I’m very fortunate to have worked with many superstars. What impressed me was how hard they worked and how professional they were. I saw the effort they put in to be at the top of their game, and how they expected everybody on set to do the same.”

Photo Op: “I get a kick when people come to my house. I have the Emmys in a cabinet and whether it’s family or friends, they often want to have their picture taken with the statues. The ladies have become an attraction.”